American Independence and Government Formation

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What was one source of inspiration for America's political ideas?

The influence of foreign governments

The rule of law (correct)

The military achievements of the British

The absolute power of the monarch

What was the significance of the Magna Carta in influencing America's political ideas?

It limited the power of the queen/king

It made the ruler subject to any law (correct)

It emphasized separation of governmental powers

It declared the supremacy of Parliament

How did the English Bill of Rights impact America's political ideas?

It emphasized self-government in the colonies

It promoted the idea of a single ruling authority

It prohibited the king or queen from changing laws without Parliament’s consent (correct)

It granted absolute power to the monarch

What did Baron de Montesquieu argue as the only way to achieve liberty?

Separation of governmental powers Signup and view all the answers

Which historical document declared the supremacy of Parliament and influenced America's political ideas?

The English Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the colonies' first written Constitution?

The people of Connecticut drawing it in 1639 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Maryland's refusal to ratify the Articles of Confederation?

Issues related to the claim of Western lands Signup and view all the answers

Which power of Congress under the Articles of Confederation led to disputes among the states?

The ability to settle conflicts among the states Signup and view all the answers

What assurance did Thomas Jefferson provide to Maryland to persuade them to ratify the Articles of Confederation?

A guarantee that western lands would be converted into new states Signup and view all the answers

Why did the government under the Articles of Confederation lack a president or a national court system?

A deliberate decision to limit the power of the government Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant obstacle in the ratification process of the Articles of Confederation?

Delays caused by disputes over Western land claims Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To declare beliefs on which the government should be based Signup and view all the answers

Which state's constitution of 1780 is the oldest still in effect?

Massachusetts Signup and view all the answers

What did the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom declare?

Rights of individuals to religious freedom Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of expanded suffrage in some states?

It allowed all citizens to vote regardless of race and gender Signup and view all the answers

What was the main role of the Committee of thirteen appointed by the Continental Congress?

To discuss and draft the Articles of Confederation Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

To establish a system for surveying and dividing the western lands Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

To create a system for bringing new states into the union Signup and view all the answers

What were the two main focus of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

Protection of civil liberty and provision of public education Signup and view all the answers

How did the United States government address the issue of protecting its citizens after disbanding the Continental Army?

By forcing states to provide troops or resources for an army Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Britain closing its ports to American ships after the Treaty of Paris?

It led to the closure of markets in the British West Indies affecting the U.S. economy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Congress face challenges in regulating interstate commerce during that time?

States had different laws or rules that made trade extremely difficult for merchants. Signup and view all the answers

Why were state leaders criticizing the national government in relation to the agreement with Spain over the lower Mississippi River?

They believed that a stronger U.S. army would have led to a different deal with Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the lack of power to establish tariffs have on Congress's ability to address trading issues with Britain?

It resulted in unequal trade and negative economic progress. Signup and view all the answers

How did high British tariffs and the closure of markets in the British West Indies affect American traders?

They had to pay high tariffs and were unable to export goods to Britain. Signup and view all the answers